ROAD SECTION - Level 1 - Overall Vulnerability Assessment

For this ROAD VISUAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FORM the intention of this checklist is to provide a high level visual assessment for sections of Road where the road terrain generally follows similar or consistent topography. i.e. Coastal Sections (low lying and flat terrain) or Inland Sections (elevated and steep terrain) .

ANY ONE ROAD can have MULTIPLE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS along it where this form should be filled out separately for CHANGES IN TOPOGRAPHY OR MAJOR ROAD CROSS-SECTIONAL CHANGES.

The visual assessment needs to assess risks from a HIGH LEVEL - RISK PERSPECTIVE as opposed to a detailed level of assessment.

The Questions outlined in this Vulnerability Assessment Form aim to ask the assessor a range of questions to flesh out Road Section Vulnerability Risk Levels.

ROADSIDE DRAINAGE - VULNERABILITY STATE - RATING DESCRIPTIONS

1= NOT VULNERABLE - The road has an excellent drainage system with well-maintained and clear channels, culverts, and ditches. There is no evidence of waterlogging, erosion, or flooding. The drainage infrastructure is robust and designed to handle extreme weather events.

INDICATORS:
- Channels are free of debris and vegetation.
- No signs of previous or ongoing surface erosion.
- Road surface is in excellent condition without water-related damage.
- Regular and proactive maintenance is evident.

2=SLIGHTLY VULNERABLE - Description: The road has a generally effective drainage system, but there may be minor issues that could lead to problems during unusually heavy rainfall. Maintenance is generally good, but occasional debris or minor blockages may occur.

INDICATORS:
- Mostly clear drainage channels with occasional minor obstructions.
- Very minor signs of erosion or water damage.
- Road surface is generally good with minor imperfections.
- Regular maintenance, with some room for improvement.

3= MODERATLEY VULNERABLE - The road’s drainage system is functional but has noticeable issues that could lead to moderate problems during heavy rain. There are areas that require attention and improvement to prevent significant future damage.

INDICATORS:
- Some debris and vegetation in drainage channels, causing partial blockages.
- Signs of erosion along the edges of the road and drainage channels.
- Road surface shows signs of water-related damage such as minor potholes or cracks.
- Maintenance is reactive rather than proactive, addressing problems as they arise

4= VULNERABLE - The road’s drainage system has significant issues that frequently lead to problems such as flooding and erosion. There is a clear need for substantial improvements and more regular maintenance to prevent further deterioration.

INDICATORS:
- Blocked or poorly designed drainage channels.
- Noticeable erosion and water damage along the road and its edges.
- Road surface is deteriorating with several potholes, cracks, or subsidence.
- Infrequent or inadequate maintenance efforts.

5 = VERY VULNERABLE - The road has a highly ineffective or non-existent drainage system, leading to frequent and severe issues. Immediate and extensive intervention is required to address critical vulnerabilities that pose a risk to road safety and integrity.

INDICATORS:
- Severely blocked or completely ineffective drainage channels.
- Significant erosion undermining the road structure.
- Major water damage to the road surface, including large potholes and cracks.
- Little to no maintenance, or maintenance efforts that are insufficient to address the issues.

ROADSIDE TERRAIN & ENVIRONMENT - VULNERABILITY STATE - RATING DESCRIPTIONS

1= NOT VULNERABLE - The terrain is stable, flat, or gently rolling with minimal risk of erosion or environmental impact. The area is well-vegetated, providing natural stabilization, and there is no significant exposure to coastal or climatic risks.

INDICATORS:
- Terrain: Flat or gently rolling.
- Vegetation: Dense, providing good ground cover.
- Coastal Influence: None or minimal.
- Erosion: No signs of erosion or soil instability.
- Climate Impact: Low exposure to extreme weather events.

2=SLIGHTLY VULNERABLE - The terrain is generally stable but has mild slopes or occasional exposure to minor environmental risks. Vegetation is adequate but may require some management to maintain stability.

INDICATORS:
- Terrain: Slightly sloping.
- Vegetation: Moderate, with occasional bare patches.
- Coastal Influence: Minimal, but with some exposure.
- Erosion: Minor signs of erosion in specific areas.
- Climate Impact: Moderate exposure to weather events, manageable with standard precautions.

3= MODERATLEY VULNERABLE - The terrain includes moderate slopes and is more exposed to environmental risks such as erosion and runoff. Vegetation is patchy, and there is some influence from coastal conditions or climate changes that need to be managed.

INDICATORS:
- Terrain: Moderately sloping or hilly.
- Vegetation: Patchy, with areas requiring stabilization.
- Coastal Influence: Moderate, with some impact from saltwater or wave action.
- Erosion: Noticeable in several areas, requiring intervention.
- Climate Impact: Regular exposure to adverse weather conditions needing adaptive measures.

4= VULNERABLE - The terrain is hilly or mountainous with significant slopes, high exposure to erosion, and frequent environmental challenges. Vegetation is sparse or degraded, and the area is significantly influenced by coastal or climatic factors.

INDICATORS:
- Terrain: Hilly or mountainous with steep slopes.
- Vegetation: Sparse or significantly degraded.
- Coastal Influence: High, with strong impacts from sea-level rise or wave action.
- Erosion: Severe in many areas, requiring substantial stabilization efforts.
- Climate Impact: High exposure to severe weather events, requiring extensive adaptive measures.

5 = VERY VULNERABLE - The terrain is highly unstable, with extreme slopes, severe erosion, and minimal vegetation. The area faces critical challenges from coastal influences and climatic changes, making it very difficult to maintain road stability without significant intervention.

INDICATORS:
- Terrain: Very steep or unstable slopes.
- Vegetation: Almost none, leading to high instability.
- Coastal Influence: Critical, with constant impacts from sea-level rise and storm surges.
- Erosion: Severe and widespread, posing immediate threats to road infrastructure.
- Climate Impact: Extremely high exposure to extreme weather, requiring constant and high-level mitigation efforts.

CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS - VULNERABILITY STATE - RATING DESCRIPTIONS

1= NOT VULNERABLE - The road is highly resilient to climate change impacts. It is well-protected from sea level rise, designed to withstand extreme weather events, and constructed with materials that can endure temperature extremes.

INDICATORS:
- No visible signs of erosion or submersion near the coastline.
- Effective coastal protection measures in place (e.g., seawalls, revetments).
- Well-maintained drainage systems that handle heavy rainfall efficiently.
- Road surface shows no signs of damage from temperature extremes (e.g., rutting or cracking).

2=SLIGHTLY VULNERABLE - The road shows minor vulnerability to climate change impacts. While generally resilient, there are occasional issues that can be managed with standard maintenance practices.

INDICATORS:
- Minor signs of erosion near the coastline, but no significant damage.
- Coastal protection measures are present but may require occasional maintenance.
- Some evidence of water pooling during heavy rainfall, but drainage systems function well overall.
- Minimal surface damage due to temperature extremes, manageable with routine maintenance.

3= MODERATLEY VULNERABLE - The road is moderately vulnerable to climate change impacts. There are noticeable issues that require regular attention to prevent significant damage.

INDICATORS:
- Noticeable erosion and submersion issues in coastal areas during high tides or storms.
- Coastal protection measures are in place but may be insufficient for extreme events.
- Drainage systems occasionally fail during heavy rainfall, leading to water pooling and minor flooding.
- Signs of asphalt softening and surface cracking due to temperature extremes.

4= VULNERABLE - The road is significantly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Frequent and substantial issues are evident, necessitating extensive and ongoing interventions.

INDICATORS:
- Significant erosion and frequent submersion in coastal areas.
- Coastal protection measures are inadequate or in poor condition.
- Drainage systems often fail during heavy rainfall, causing frequent flooding and water damage.
- Widespread surface damage due to temperature extremes, including severe rutting and cracking.

5 = VERY VULNERABLE - The road is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. It faces constant and severe challenges that compromise its integrity and functionality, requiring immediate and large-scale interventions.

INDICATORS:
- Severe erosion and frequent submersion in coastal areas, threatening road stability.
- Little to no effective coastal protection measures in place.
- Drainage systems are inadequate, leading to persistent and severe flooding.
- Extensive damage from temperature extremes, with large sections of the road surface in poor condition.

SOCIO ECONOMIC EFFECTS - VULNERABILITY STATE - RATING DESCRIPTIONS

1= NOT VULNERABLE - Description: The road network and surrounding communities show strong resilience to socio-economic impacts due to climate change. Accessibility, safety, economic activities, and infrastructure are well-maintained and adaptable.

INDICATORS:
- Roads remain accessible to all communities even during extreme weather events.
- Minimal impact on essential services, local businesses and economic activities.
- No significant safety concerns

2=SLIGHTLY VULNERABLE - Description: The road network has minor socio-economic vulnerabilities. There are occasional disruptions, but these are managed effectively with minimal long-term impact.

INDICATORS:
- Rare instances of road inaccessibility during extreme weather, quickly resolved.
- Minor disruptions to on essential services, local businesses and economic activities.
- Few safety concerns

3= MODERATLEY VULNERABLE - The road network experiences moderate socio-economic impacts from climate change. Regular disruptions affect accessibility and economic activities, requiring more frequent interventions.

INDICATORS:
- Periodic road inaccessibility affecting community access to essential services.
- Noticeable impact on essential services, local businesses and economic activities.
- Some safety concerns and a moderate number of reported accidents.

4= VULNERABLE - The road network is significantly affected by socio-economic impacts of climate change. Frequent and severe disruptions have substantial effects on communities and economic activities.

INDICATORS:
- Regular road inaccessibility, isolating communities during extreme weather.
- Significant disruptions to on essential services, local businesses and economic activities.
- Frequent safety concerns and higher incidence of accidents.

5 = VERY VULNERABLE - The road network and surrounding communities are highly vulnerable to socio-economic impacts of climate change. Constant and severe disruptions critically affect daily life and economic stability.

INDICATORS:
- Chronic road inaccessibility, leading to long-term isolation of communities.
- Major and continuous disruptions on essential services, local businesses and economic activities.
- Persistent safety hazards with a high rate of accidents and injuries.